The survival of Sackboy and Crackdown developer Sumo Digital
Summary
The Game Business Show interviews Sumo Digital’s new CEOs, Gary Dunn and Andy Stewart, about the studio’s strategic pivot following its Tencent acquisition. They discuss shifting from high-budget AAA development to supporting evergreen titles and co-funding AA projects due to reduced publisher risk appetite. The conversation also covers UK tax relief challenges, the value of their Pune operations, and leveraging AI for efficiency while maintaining a focus on quality and reliability.
Topics discussed
Intro: Sponsorship and direct-to-consumer trends
Sumo Digital's history and Tencent acquisition
Shift from AAA to evergreen titles and partnerships
Ending publishing and focusing on core development
Co-funding models and skin in the game
UK video game industry and tax relief challenges
Reviving dormant IPs and leadership evolution
Current projects, mobile tech, and innovation
Global operations: UK downsizing vs Pune growth
Agile development and the Sumo guarantee
AI as an enabler for creativity and efficiency
Future ambitions and AA-level original IP
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